Methods for treating urushiol-induced contact dermatitis

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to methods for treating urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Specifically, the invention is directed to treating and reducing inflammation associated with poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak by administering to a subject suffering from such conditions novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is directed to methods for treatingurushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Specifically, the field of theinvention is directed to treating and reducing inflammation associatedurushiol-induced contact dermatitis such as that seen in poison ivy,poison sumac and poison oak, by administering to a subject sufferingfrom such conditions novel cellular factor-containing solutioncompositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novelsustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions(referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis (also called Toxicodendrondermatitis and Rhus dermatitis) is produced by the oil urushiol.Urushiol is contained in various plants, including the plants of thegenus Toxicodendron, which includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poisonsumac, and certain plants in the family Anacardiaceae, such as mango,Rengas tree, Burmese lacquer tree, India marking nut tree, and the shellof the cashew nut. A few unrelated plants, such as Ginkgo biloba, alsocontain urushiol.

Symptoms of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis include itching,inflammation, oozing, and in severe cases, a burning sensation. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology estimates there are up to 50 millioncases of urushiol-induced dermatitis annually in the United Statesalone, accounting for 10% of all lost-time injuries in the United StatesForest Service.

Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is contracted by contact with aplant or any other object containing urushiol oil. The oil adheres toalmost anything with which it comes in contact, such as skin, towels,blankets and clothing. Materials that contact the plant and then contactthe skin are common causes of exposure. Normally, it takes about 24hours for the rash to first appear. For people who have severereactions, the rash will worsen during the next few days. Histologicalexamination of urushiol-affected skin shows strong evidence ofinflammatory cell migration, e.g. activated lymphocytes, mononuclearcells and fibrosis. In severe reactions, a prednisone prescription isnecessary to stop skin damage, especially if the eyes are involved. Therash persists typically for one to two weeks but in some cases can lastas long as five weeks. At least 25% of people exposed to urushiol willhave very strong responses resulting in severe symptoms. Since the skinreaction is an allergic one, some people may mount progressivelystronger reactions after repeated exposures.

Primary treatment involves washing exposed skin thoroughly with soap andwater as soon as possible after exposure. Because urushiol is an oil,soap or detergent is necessary to remove it. Antihistamines andhydrocortisone creams or, in severe cases, oral antihistamines, can beused to alleviate the symptoms of the rash. Nonprescriptiondiphenhydramine (Benadryl®) is the most commonly used oralantihistamine. Topical formulations containing diphenhydramine areavailable, but may cause further irritation to the affected skin. Incases of extreme symptoms, steroids such as prednisone or triamcinoloneare sometimes administered. Prednisone is the most commonly prescribedsystemic treatment, but can cause serious adrenal suppression changes,so it must be taken carefully. If secondary bacterial infection occursin the affected area, antibiotics may also be necessary.

It is believed that a treatment option that could reduce inflammationand accelerate the healing of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, suchas that exhibited by poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak, and nothave the associated risks of steroids, especially oral steroids, isdesirable. Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention toprovide such a treatment option.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides novel cellular factor-containing solution(CFS) compositions, including Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution(ACCS), for use in the described methods for treating urushiol-inducedcontact dermatitis. The instant invention also provides novelsustained-release cellular factor-containing solution (SR-CFS)compositions, including SR-ACCS, for use in the methods. Because thecellular factors are present in the compositions at levels comparable tophysiological levels found in the body, they are optimal for use intherapeutic applications which require intervention to support,initiate, replace, accelerate or otherwise influence biochemical andbiological processes involved in the treatment and/or healing of diseaseand/or injury. In the case of the SR-CFS compositions, the cellularfactors are released slowly over time to provide a continual, consistentphysiologic level of such factors to optimize healing and/or recovery.Detailed information about the compositions used in the methods can befound in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,058,066 and 8,088,732, both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Applicants have discovered that Amnion-derived Cellular CytokineSolution (ACCS) (for details see U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,058,066 and 8,088,732,both of which are incorporated herein by reference) exhibits manyanti-inflammatory properties as well as healing properties. Therefore,ACCS, delivered topically as a liquid or ointment, would be expected tobe an effective means of treating urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention is a method for treatingurushiol-induced contact dermatitis in a patient in need thereofcomprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effectiveamount of a CFS composition.

A second aspect of the invention is a method for reducing inflammationassociated with urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in a patient in needthereof comprising administering to the patient a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a CFS composition such that inflammation associatedwith urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is reduced.

A third aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a CFS compositionand instructions for its use to treat urushiol-induced contactdermatitis.

In a specific embodiment of aspects one-three of the invention, the CFScomposition is ACCS.

In another specific embodiment of aspects one-three of the invention theCFS composition, including ACCS, is formulated for topicaladministration.

In another specific embodiment of aspects one-three of the invention theurushiol-induced contact dermatitis is selected from the groupconsisting of poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak.

DEFINITIONS

As defined herein “isolated” refers to material removed from itsoriginal environment and is thus altered “by the hand of man” from itsnatural state.

As used herein, the term “protein marker” means any protein moleculecharacteristic of the plasma membrane of a cell or in some cases of aspecific cell type.

As used herein, “enriched” means to selectively concentrate or toincrease the amount of one or more materials by elimination of theunwanted materials or selection and separation of desirable materialsfrom a mixture (i.e. separate cells with specific cell markers from aheterogeneous cell population in which not all cells in the populationexpress the marker).

As used herein, the term “substantially purified” means a population ofcells substantially homogeneous for a particular marker or combinationof markers. By substantially homogeneous is meant at least 90%, andpreferably 95% homogeneous for a particular marker or combination ofmarkers.

The term “placenta” as used herein means both preterm and term placenta.

As used herein, the term “totipotent cells” shall have the followingmeaning. In mammals, totipotent cells have the potential to become anycell type in the adult body; any cell type(s) of the extraembryonicmembranes (e.g., placenta). Totipotent cells are the fertilized egg andapproximately the first 4 cells produced by its cleavage.

As used herein, the term “pluripotent stem cells” shall have thefollowing meaning. Pluripotent stem cells are true stem cells with thepotential to make any differentiated cell in the body, but cannotcontribute to making the components of the extraembryonic membraneswhich are derived from the trophoblast. The amnion develops from theepiblast, not the trophoblast. Three types of pluripotent stem cellshave been confirmed to date: Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells (may also betotipotent in primates), Embryonic Germ (EG) Cells, and EmbryonicCarcinoma (EC) Cells. These EC cells can be isolated fromteratocarcinomas, a tumor that occasionally occurs in the gonad of afetus. Unlike the other two, they are usually aneuploid.

As used herein, the term “multipotent stem cells” are true stem cellsbut can only differentiate into a limited number of types. For example,the bone marrow contains multipotent stem cells that give rise to allthe cells of the blood but may not be able to differentiate into othercells types.

As used herein, the term “extraembryonic tissue” means tissue locatedoutside the embryonic body which is involved with the embryo'sprotection, nutrition, waste removal, etc. Extraembryonic tissue isdiscarded at birth. Extraembryonic tissue includes but is not limited tothe amnion, chorion (trophoblast and extraembryonic mesoderm includingumbilical cord and vessels), yolk sac, allantois and amniotic fluid(including all components contained therein). Extraembryonic tissue andcells derived therefrom have the same genotype as the developing embryo.

As used herein, the term “extraembryonic cytokine secreting cells” or“ECS cells” means a population of cells derived from the extraembryonictissue which have the characteristics of secreting a unique combinationof physiologically relevant cytokines in a physiologically relevanttemporal manner into the extracellular space or into surrounding culturemedia and which have not been cultured in the presence of anyanimal-derived products, making them and cell products derived from themsuitable for human clinical use. In a preferred embodiment, the ECScells secrete the cytokines VEGF, Angiogenin, PDGF and TGFβ2 and the MMPinhibitors TIMP-1 and/or TIMP-2. The physiological range of the cytokineor cytokines in the unique combination is as follows: ˜5-16 ng/mL forVEGF, ˜3.5-4.5 ng/mL for Angiogenin, ˜100-165 pg/mL for PDGF, ˜2.5-2.7ng/mL for TGFβ2, ˜0.68 μg/mL for TIMP-1 and ˜1.04 μg/mL for TIMP-2.

As used herein, the term “amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cell” or“AMP cell” means a specific population of ECS cells that are epithelialcells derived from the amnion. In addition to the characteristicsdescribed above for ECS cells, AMP cells have the followingcharacteristics. They have not been cultured in the presence of anynon-human animal-derived products, making them and cell products derivedfrom them suitable for human clinical use. They grow without feederlayers, do not express the protein telomerase and are non-tumorigenic.AMP cells do not express the hematopoietic stem cell marker CD34protein. The absence of CD34 positive cells in this population indicatesthe isolates are not contaminated with hematopoietic stem cells such asumbilical cord blood or embryonic fibroblasts. Virtually 100% of thecells react with antibodies to low molecular weight cytokeratins,confirming their epithelial nature. Freshly isolated amnion epithelialcells, from which AMP cells are selected, will not react with antibodiesto the stem/progenitor cell markers c-kit (CD117) and Thy-1 (CD90).Several procedures used to obtain cells from full term or pre-termplacenta are known in the art (see, for example, US 2004/0110287; Ankeret al., 2005, Stem Cells 22:1338-1345; Ramkumar et al., 1995, Am. J. Ob.Gyn. 172:493-500). However, the methods described herein provideimproved, novel compositions and populations of cells.

By the term “animal-free” when referring to certain compositions, growthconditions, culture media, etc. described herein, is meant that nonon-human animal-derived materials, such as bovine serum, proteins,lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins, etc., are used in thepreparation, growth, culturing, expansion, storage or formulation of thecertain composition or process. By “no non-human animal-derivedmaterials” is meant that the materials have never been in or in contactwith a non-human animal body or substance so they are notxeno-contaminated. Only clinical grade materials, such as recombinantlyproduced human proteins, are used in the preparation, growth, culturing,expansion, storage and/or formulation of such compositions and/orprocesses.

By the term “serum-free” when referring to certain compositions, growthconditions, culture media, etc. described herein, is meant that noanimal-derived serum (i.e. no non-human) is used in the preparation,growth, culturing, expansion, storage or formulation of the certaincomposition or process.

By the term “expanded”, in reference to cell compositions, means thatthe cell population constitutes a significantly higher concentration ofcells than is obtained using previous methods. For example, the level ofcells per gram of amniotic tissue in expanded compositions of AMP cellsis at least 50 and up to 150 fold higher than the number of cells in theprimary culture after 5 passages, as compared to about a 20 foldincrease in such cells using previous methods. In another example, thelevel of cells per gram of amniotic tissue in expanded compositions ofAMP cells is at least 30 and up to 100 fold higher than the number ofcells in the primary culture after 3 passages. Accordingly, an“expanded” population has at least a 2 fold, and up to a 10 fold,improvement in cell numbers per gram of amniotic tissue over previousmethods. The term “expanded” is meant to cover only those situations inwhich a person has intervened to elevate the number of the cells.

As used herein, “conditioned medium” is a medium in which a specificcell or population of cells has been cultured, and then removed. Whencells are cultured in a medium, they may secrete cellular factors thatcan provide support to or affect the behavior of other cells. Suchfactors include, but are not limited to hormones, cytokines,extracellular matrix (ECM), proteins, vesicles, antibodies, chemokines,receptors, inhibitors and granules. The medium containing the cellularfactors is the conditioned medium.

As used herein, the term “cellular factor-containing solution” or “CFS”composition means a composition having physiologic concentrations of oneor more protein factors. CFS compositions include conditioned mediaderived from ECS cells, amnion-derived cellular cytokine solutioncompositions (see definition below), physiologic cytokine solutioncompositions (see definition below), and sustained release formulationsof such CFS compositions.

As used herein, the term “amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution” or“ACCS” means conditioned medium that has been derived from AMP cells orexpanded AMP cells.

As used herein, the term “physiologic cytokine solution” or “PCS”composition means a composition which is not cell-derived and which hasphysiologic concentrations of VEGF, Angiogenin, PDGF and TGFβ2, TIMP-1and TIMP-2.

As used herein, the term “suspension” means a liquid containingdispersed components, i.e. cytokines. The dispersed components may befully solubilized, partially solubilized, suspended or otherwisedispersed in the liquid. Suitable liquids include, but are not limitedto, water, osmotic solutions such as salt and/or sugar solutions, cellculture media, and other aqueous or non-aqueous solutions.

The term “lysate” as used herein refers to the composition obtained whencells, for example, AMP cells, are lysed and optionally the cellulardebris (e.g., cellular membranes) is removed. This may be achieved bymechanical means, by freezing and thawing, by sonication, by use ofdetergents, such as EDTA, or by enzymatic digestion using, for example,hyaluronidase, dispase, proteases, and nucleases.

The term “physiologic” or “physiological level” as used herein means thelevel that a substance in a living system is found and that is relevantto the proper functioning of a biochemical and/or biological process.

As used herein, the term “substrate” means a defined coating on asurface that cells attach to, grown on, and/or migrate on. As usedherein, the term “matrix” means a substance that cells grow in or onthat may or may not be defined in its components. The matrix includesboth biological and non-biological substances. As used herein, the term“scaffold” means a three-dimensional (3D) structure (substrate and/ormatrix) that cells grow in or on. It may be composed of biologicalcomponents, synthetic components or a combination of both. Further, itmay be naturally constructed by cells or artificially constructed. Inaddition, the scaffold may contain components that have biologicalactivity under appropriate conditions.

The term “cell product” or “cell products” as used herein refers to anyand all substances made by and secreted from a cell, including but notlimited to, protein factors (i.e. growth factors, differentiationfactors, engraftment factors, cytokines, morphogens, proteases (i.e. topromote endogenous cell delamination, protease inhibitors),extracellular matrix components (i.e. fibronectin, etc.).

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means that amount of atherapeutic agent necessary to achieve a desired physiological effect(i.e. treating urushiol-induced contact dermatitis).

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means that thecomponents, in addition to the therapeutic agent, comprising theformulation, are suitable for administration to the patient beingtreated in accordance with the present invention.

As used herein, the term “therapeutic component” means a component ofthe composition which exerts a therapeutic benefit when the compositionis administered to a subject.

As used herein, the term “therapeutic protein” includes a wide range ofbiologically active proteins including, but not limited to, growthfactors, enzymes, hormones, cytokines, inhibitors of cytokines, bloodclotting factors, peptide growth and differentiation factors.

As used herein, the term “tissue” refers to an aggregation of similarlyspecialized cells united in the performance of a particular function.

As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” means one or more; at least one.

As used herein, the term “adjunctive” means jointly, together with, inaddition to, in conjunction with, and the like.

As used herein, the term “co-administer” can include simultaneous orsequential administration of two or more agents.

As used herein, the term “agent” means an active agent or an inactiveagent. By the term “active agent” is meant an agent that is capable ofhaving a physiological effect when administered to a subject.Non-limiting examples of active agents include growth factors,cytokines, antibiotics, cells, conditioned media from cells, etc. By theterm “inactive agent” is meant an agent that does not have aphysiological effect when administered. Such agents may alternatively becalled “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients”. Non-limiting examplesinclude time release capsules and the like.

The terms “parenteral administration” and “administered parenterally”are art-recognized and refer to modes of administration other thanenteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes,without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial,intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal,intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular,intra-articulare, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural,intracerebral and intrasternal injection or infusion.

As used herein, the term “enteral” administration means any route ofdrug administration that involves absorption of the drug through thegastrointestinal tract. Enteral administration may be divided into threedifferent categories, oral, gastric, and rectal. Gastric introductioninvolves the use of a tube through the nasal passage or a tube in theabdomen leading directly to the stomach.

As used herein, the term “topical” administration means a medicationthat is applied to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes totreat ailments via a large range of classes including but not limited toliquids, sprays, creams, foams, gels, lotions, salves and ointments.

The terms “sustained-release”, “extended-release”, “time-release”,“controlled-release”, or “continuous-release” as used herein means anagent, typically a therapeutic agent or drug, that is formulated todissolve slowly and be released over time.

“Treatment,” “treat,” or “treating,” as used herein covers any treatmentof a disease or condition of a mammal, particularly a human, andincludes: (a) preventing the disease or condition from occurring in asubject which may be predisposed to the disease or condition but has notyet been diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting the disease orcondition, i.e., arresting its development; (c) relieving and orameliorating the disease or condition, i.e., causing regression of thedisease or condition; or (d) curing the disease or condition, i.e.,stopping its development or progression. The population of subjectstreated by the methods of the invention includes subjects suffering fromthe undesirable condition or disease, as well as subjects at risk fordevelopment of the condition or disease.

As used herein, a “wound” is any disruption, from whatever cause, ofnormal anatomy (internal and/or external anatomy) including but notlimited to traumatic injuries such as mechanical (i.e. contusion,penetrating), thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, concussive andincisional injuries; elective injuries such as operative surgery andresultant incisional hernias, fistulas, etc.; acute wounds, chronicwounds, infected wounds, and sterile wounds, as well as woundsassociated with disease states (i.e. ulcers caused by diabeticneuropathy or ulcers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract). Awound is dynamic and the process of healing is a continuum requiring aseries of integrated and interrelated cellular processes that begin atthe time of wounding and proceed beyond initial wound closure througharrival at a stable scar. These cellular processes are mediated ormodulated by humoral substances including but not limited to cytokines,lymphokines, growth factors, and hormones. In accordance with thesubject invention, “wound healing” refers to improving, by some form ofintervention, the natural cellular processes and humoral substances oftissue repair such that healing is faster, and/or the resulting healedarea has less scaring and/or the wounded area possesses tissue strengththat is closer to that of uninjured tissue and/or the wounded tissueattains some degree of functional recovery.

As used herein the term “standard animal model” refers to anyart-accepted animal model in which the compositions of the inventionexhibit efficacy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention there may be employedconventional molecular biology, microbiology, and recombinant DNAtechniques within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explainedfully in the literature. See, e.g., Sambrook et al, 2001, “MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual”; Ausubel, ed., 1994, “Current Protocols inMolecular Biology” Volumes I-III; Celis, ed., 1994, “Cell Biology: ALaboratory Handbook” Volumes I-III; Coligan, ed., 1994, “CurrentProtocols in Immunology” Volumes I-III; Gait ed., 1984, “OligonucleotideSynthesis”; Hames & Higgins eds., 1985, “Nucleic Acid Hybridization”;Hames & Higgins, eds., 1984, “Transcription And Translation”; Freshney,ed., 1986, “Animal Cell Culture”; IRL Press, 1986, “Immobilized CellsAnd Enzymes”; Perbal, 1984, “A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning.”

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both ofthose included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferredmethods and materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

Compositions and Methods of Making Compositions

Detailed information and methods on the preparation of AMP cellcompositions, generation of ACCS, generation of pooled ACCS, detectionof cytokines in non-pooled and pooled ACCS using ELISA, generation ofPCS compositions, and generation of sustained-release CFS compositionscan be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,058,066 and 8,088,732, both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

The invention provides for an article of manufacture comprisingpackaging material and a pharmaceutical composition of the inventioncontained within the packaging material, wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises CFS compositions, including ACCS. The packagingmaterial comprises a label or package insert which indicates that theCFS compositions, including ACCS, contained therein can be used fortherapeutic applications such as, for example, treating urushiol-inducedcontact dermatitis.

Formulation, Dosage and Administration of CFS Compositions

Compositions comprising CFS compositions may be administered to asubject to provide various cellular or tissue functions, for example, toprevent or treat nasal polyps. As used herein “subject” may mean eithera human or non-human animal.

Such compositions may be formulated in any conventional manner using oneor more physiologically acceptable carriers optionally comprisingexcipients and auxiliaries. Proper formulation is dependent upon theroute of administration chosen. For topical administration, the CFScompositions may be formulated as a spray, liquid, cream, foam, gel,lotion, salve, and ointment, etc. The compositions may also beadministered to the recipient in one or more physiologically acceptablecarriers. Carriers for CFS compositions may include but are not limitedto solutions of normal saline, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lactatedRinger's solution containing a mixture of salts in physiologicconcentrations, or cell culture medium.

In addition, one of skill in the art may readily determine theappropriate dose of the CFS compositions for a particular purpose. Apreferred dose is in the range of about 0.1-to-1000 micrograms persquare centimeter of applied area. Other preferred dose ranges are1.0-to-50.0 micrograms/applied area. In a particularly preferredembodiment, it has been found that relatively small amounts of the CFScompositions are therapeutically useful. One exemplification of suchtherapeutic utility is the ability for ACCS (including pooled ACCS) toaccelerate wound healing (for details see U.S. Publication No.2006/0222634 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,881, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference). One of skill in the art will also recognize thatthe number of doses to be administered needs also to be empiricallydetermined based on, for example, severity and type of disease, disorderor injury being treated; patient age, weight, sex, health; othermedications and treatments being administered to the patient; and thelike. For example, in a specific embodiment, one dose is sufficient tohave a therapeutic effect (i.e. treating urushiol-induced contactdermatitis). Other specific embodiments contemplate, 2, 3, 4, or moredoses for therapeutic effect.

One of skill in the art will also recognize that number of doses (dosingregimen) to be administered needs also to be empirically determinedbased on, for example, severity and type of injury, disorder orcondition being treated; patient age, weight, sex, health; othermedications and treatments being administered to the patient; and thelike. In addition, one of skill in the art recognizes that the frequencyof dosing needs to be empirically determined based on similar criteria.In certain embodiments, one dose is administered every day for a givennumber of days (i.e. once a day for 7 days, etc.). In other embodiments,multiple doses may be administered in one day (every 4 hours, etc.).Multiple doses per day for multiple days are also contemplated by theinvention.

In further embodiments of the present invention, at least one additionalagent may be combined with the CFS compositions. Such agents may actsynergistically with the CFS compositions of the invention to enhancethe therapeutic effect. Such agents include but are not limited togrowth factors, cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, inhibitors,antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents, steroids, anti-fungals,anti-virals or other cell types (i.e. stem cells or stem-like cells, forexample, AMP cells). Inactive agents include carriers, diluents,stabilizers, gelling agents, delivery vehicles, ECMs (natural andsynthetic), scaffolds, and the like. When the CFS compositions areadministered conjointly with other pharmaceutically active agents, evenless of the CFS compositions may be needed to be therapeuticallyeffective.

CFS compositions may also be inserted into a delivery device, e.g., atube, in different forms. For example, the CFS compositions can be partof a solution contained in such a delivery device. As used herein, theterm “solution” includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and diluents includesaline, aqueous buffer solutions, solvents and/or dispersion media. Theuse of such carriers and diluents is well known in the art. The solutionis preferably sterile and fluid to the extent that easy syringabilityexists. Preferably, the solution is stable under the conditions ofmanufacture and storage and may optionally be preserved against thecontaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungithrough the use of, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol,ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. Solutions of the invention canbe prepared by incorporating the CFS compositions in a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent and, as required, other ingredientsenumerated above.

The timing of administration of CFS compositions will depend upon thetype and severity of the disease, disorder, or injury being treated. Inone embodiment, the CFS compositions are administered as soon aspossible after onset of symptoms or diagnosis. In another embodiment,CFS compositions are administered more than one time following onset ofsymptoms or diagnosis.

Support matrices, scaffolds, membranes and the like into which the CFScompositions can be incorporated or embedded include matrices which arerecipient-compatible and which degrade into products which are notharmful to the recipient. Detailed information on suitable supportmatrices, etc. can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,058,066 and 8,088,732,both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A “therapeutically effective amount” of a therapeutic agent within themeaning of the present invention will be determined by a patient'sattending physician or veterinarian. Such amounts are readilyascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art and will enablepreventing or treating hemorrhoids when administered in accordance withthe present invention. Factors which influence what a therapeuticallyeffective amount will be include, the specific activity of thetherapeutic agent being used, the extent of the surgical wound, theabsence or presence of infection, time elapsed since the surgery, andthe age, physical condition, existence of other disease states, andnutritional status of the patient. Additionally, other medication thepatient may be receiving will effect the determination of thetherapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic agent to administer.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how tomake and use the compositions and methods of the invention, and are notintended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as theirinvention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect tonumbers used (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimentalerrors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicatedotherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is averagemolecular weight, temperature is in degrees centigrade, and pressure isat or near atmospheric.

The following examples provide evidence of the anti-inflammatory andwound healing effects of ACCS is several different inflammatoryconditions (mucosal, mucosal/infected; skin (intact and lesioned); andcutaneous wound/infected), thus providing strong evidence for the broadapplicability of ACCS to prevent and/or treat inflammatory conditions.

Example 1 Inflammatory Model—Use of ACCS to Prevent Onset of PeriodontalDisease in an Animal Model

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role ofACCS in Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis)-induced experimentalperiodontitis in rabbits

Methods: Eight New-Zealand White rabbits were distributed into 3groups: 1. Untreated (n=2), 2. Control (unconditioned ACCS culturemedia) (n=3), and 3. ACCS (n=3). At baseline, all rabbits received silkligatures bilaterally tied around mandibular second premolars undergeneral anesthesia. The assigned test materials, ACCS or control, involumes of 10 μL were topically applied to the ligated sites with ablunt needled-Hamilton Syringe from the time of ligature; controlanimals received ligature, but no treatment. Topical P.gingivalis-containing slurry (1 mL) was subsequently applied to inducethe periodontal inflammation. The application of test materials and P.gingivalis continued for 6 weeks on an every-other-day schedule. At 6weeks, following euthanasia, the mandibles were surgically harvested.Morphometric, radiographic and histologic evaluations were performed.

Results: Macroscopic evaluations including soft tissue assessments,crestal bone and infrabony measurements showed significant periodontalbreakdown induced by P. gingivalis in control and no treatment groups at6 weeks compared to historical ligature-alone groups (p=0.05, p=0.03,respectively). ACCS application significantly inhibited soft tissueinflammation and prevented both crestal bone loss and infrabony defectformation compared to untreated and control groups (p=0.01, p=0.05,respectively). Histologic assessments and histomorphometric measurementssupported the clinical findings; ACCS treated animals demonstratedsignificantly less inflammation in soft tissue and less bone losscompared to the untreated and control groups (p=0.05).

Conclusions: Topical ACCS application prevents periodontal inflammatorychanges and bone loss induced by P. gingivalis as shown both at clinicaland histopathological level. ACCS has potential as a therapeuticapproach for the prevention of periodontal diseases

Example 2 Inflammatory Model—Use of ACCS to Stop Progression of orReverse Periodontal Disease in an Animal Model

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic actionsof ACCS in the treatment of periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis.

Methods: The study was conducted using a two-phase rabbit periodontitisprotocol: 1-Disease induction (6 weeks) and 2—Treatment (6 weeks).Periodontal disease was induced in 16 New-Zealand White rabbits byevery-other-day application of topical P. gingivalis to ligaturedmandibular premolars. At the end of Phase 1, 4 randomly selected rabbitswere sacrificed to serve as the baseline disease group. For Phase 2, theremaining 12 rabbits were distributed into 3 groups (n=4), 1—Untreated,2—Control (unconditioned ACCS culture media) and 3—ACCS treatment. Atthe end of Phase 2, morphometric, radiographic and histologicevaluations were performed on harvested mandibles.

Results: The baseline disease group exhibited experimental periodontitisevidenced by tissue inflammation and bone loss. At the end of Phase 2,the untreated group showed significant disease progression characterizedby increased soft and hard tissue destruction (p=0.05). The tissueinflammation and bone loss was significantly reduced by topical ACCScompared to baseline disease and untreated groups (p=0.05; p=0.002,respectively). The control treatment also arrested disease progressioncompared to untreated group (p=0.01), but there was no improvement inperiodontal health compared to baseline disease (p=0.4).Histopathological assessments revealed similar findings; ACCS stoppedthe progression of inflammatory process (p=0.003) and reversed bonedestruction induced by P. gingivalis (p=0.008). The ACCS-treated grouphad minimal osteoclastic activity limited to crestal area compared tountreated and control groups, which showed a profound osteoclastogenicactivity at the bone crest as well as at interproximal sites.

Conclusions: Topical application of ACCS stopped the progression ofperiodontal inflammation and resulted in tissue regeneration in rabbitperiodontitis indicating its potential therapeutic efficacy.

Example 3 Inflammatory Model—Evaluate the Efficacy of Topically AppliedACCS to Inhibit Irritant 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) SkinInflammation in Mice

Method: Topical treatment was given twice daily to the followinggroups: 1. TPA+topical control; 2. TPA+ACCS; 3. TPA+clobetasol 0.05topical solution (the strongest available topical corticosteroid); 4.ACCS alone; 5. No treatment (the other untreated ear was measured). Theendpoints for the study were ear thickness and ear weight at the end ofthe experiment. The thicker the ear and the more it weighs correlateswith the degree of inflammation.

Results: Topically applied ACCS was effective at reducing theinflammation induced by TPA. The anti-inflammatory activity of topicalACCS reached the same level as clobetasol (a class 1 potent topicalcorticosteroid) by 3 days after beginning application.

Conclusion: ACCS has a strong anti-inflammatory effect when applied toskin.

Example 4 Inflammatory Model—Evaluate the Efficacy of IntralesionalInjection of ACCS to Inhibit Irritant (TPA) Skin Inflammation in Mice

Method: Intralesional injection into the ear was given once daily to thefollowing groups: 1. TPA+intralesional control; 2. TPA+intralesionalACCS; 3. TPA+intralesional kenalog (10 mg/ml) (a potent intralesionalcorticosteroid); 4. ACCS intralesional injection alone; 5. Saline shaminjections to the normal untreated ear. The endpoints for the study wereear thickness and ear weight at the end of the experiment. The thickerthe ear and the more it weighs correlates with the degree ofinflammation.

Results: Intralesional injection of ACCS was effective at reducing theinflammation induced by TPA at all time points beginning on day 2 ofdaily injections. Intralesional kenalog (10 mg/ml) injections induced ahematoma at the site of injection, which led to some inflammation andthat is why there is not a substantial difference in ear thickness whencomparing TPA+kenalog with TPA+control.

Conclusions: Intralesional ACCS did reduce skin inflammation but thetopically applied ACCS in Example 1 above had a more potent effect.There was no difference in ear weight using either ACCS or intralesionalkenalog compared with TPA+control.

Example 5 Wound Healing Model—Effects of ACCS in an Animal Model ofChronic Wound Healing

An art-accepted animal model for chronic granulating wound was used tostudy the effects of ACCS on chronic wound healing (Hayward P G, RobsonM C: Animal models of wound contraction. In Barbul A, et al: Clinicaland Experimental Approaches to Dermal and Epidermal Repair: Normal andChronic Wounds. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1990.).

Results: ACCS was effective in not allowing proliferation of tissuebacterial bioburden. ACCS allowed accelerated healing of the granulatingwound significantly faster than the non-treated infected control groups(Franz, M., et al., ePlasty Vol. 8, pp. 188-199, Apr. 11, 2008).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Anyequivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of thisinvention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition tothose shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilledin the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are alsointended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Throughout the specification various publications have been referred to.It is intended that each publication be incorporated by reference in itsentirety into this specification

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing inflammation associatedwith urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in a patient in need thereofcomprising topically administering to the patient about 0.1-to-1000micrograms per square centimeter of applied area a compositions selectedfrom the group consisting of an Extraembryonic Cytokine-containingSolution (ECS) composition, Amnion derived Cellular Cytokine Solution(ACCS), Physiologic Cytokine Solution (PCS), and sustained release (SR)formulations of ECS, ACCS and PCS, such that inflammation associatedwith urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is reduced, wherein the ECS,ACCS, PCS, and SR-formulations of ECS, ACCS and PCS comprise about 5-16ng/mL VEGF, about 3.5-4.5 ng/mL Angiogenin, about 100-165 pg/mL PDGF,about 2.5-2.7 ng/mL TGFβ2, about 0.68 μg/mL TIMP-1 and about 1.04 μg/mLTIMP-2.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the administered composition isACCS.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the are ECS, ACCS, PCS, andSR-formulations of ECS, ACCS and PCS are formulated for topicaladministration.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the urushiol-inducedcontact dermatitis is selected from the group consisting of poison ivy,poison sumac and poison oak.